August

High School Musical Aug 7-16, The trials and tribulations of being in high school and putting on the school musical. Includes a teenage love story. $10. Springfield Muni Opera, 815 E. Lake Dr. www.themuni.org.

Camp Sunshine Aug 7-8, 8pm, A group of kids find out who they are at a church summer camp. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. Petersburg. For more info, call 632-5440 or 800-710-9290, or go to www.theatreinthepark.net.

Illinois State Fair Aug 13-23, Illinois State Fair featuring horse races, rides, pageants and concerts by top performing artists. Illinois State Fairgrounds. For more info call 782-6661 or go to www.agr.state.il.us.

Abe the Musical Aug 14-16 and 20-23, 8pm, A musical celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s life. $12 adult, $10 seniors, $7 children under 12. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. Petersburg. For more info, call 632-5440 go to www.theatreinthepark.net.

Shakespeare at Theatre in the Park Aug 27-28, 8pm, See short renditions of Shakespeare’s plays. $12 adult, $10 seniors, $7 children under 12. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. Petersburg. For more info, call 632- 5440 or go to www.theatreinthepark.net.

Old Capital Blues and BBQ Aug 29, 12pm to midnight BBQ experts from around the country compete for prizes at this popular event. The Illinois Central Blues Club hosts the Blues challenge with local bands beginning at noon; the main stage features national acts from 4pm. $5 adult admission, 12 and under, free. Fifth and Washington Streets, Downtown Springfield. 544-1723, www.downtownspringfield.org.

September

Springfield Mile Sept 5-7, The best flat track racers descend on Springfield for a weekend of motorcycles in a one mile dirt track. Illinois State Fairgrounds. For more info, call 753-8866.